What can be done about magpies swooping?
Walk slowly, don’t run. Cover your head or take an alternative route. From July through to November each year, magpies build their nests and raise their young in a limited area known as a territory. When there are eggs or young in the nest the male birds defend their territory from intruders. Swooping occurs for around six weeks while magpies are raising their young in the nest. Magpies see cats, dogs and other magpies as intruders – it is not just people they swoop. Sometimes the colour of people’s clothes, a noise they make or the speed they are traveling, triggers a magpie swoop. Only a few magpies see people as a threat. When magpies do swoop they beat their wings, clack their beaks and occasionally peck or scratch. Accidents can occur because people, particularly children, panic. Remember, magpies are simply trying to protect their territory. STAY CALM, protect your face and walk away quickly. A magpie may become aggressive towards people because it has been harassed in the past.
